Regular car maintenance is important to help extend the lifespan of your car. Most importantly, it brings safety to the people driving and riding in it. Your frequent visit to your local auto repair shop costs you a lot of money just because your check engine light is on. You can cut down your spending on unnecessary shop visits by getting an OBD scanner of your own.
Today, we are going to compare two scanners. Both are from Autel – the Autolink AL619 and MaxiLink ML629. Let’s dive deeper into their similarities and differences.
| Autel Autolink AL619 | Autel MaxiLink ML629 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Compatibility | 1996 US-based cars, 2000 EU-based cars, Newer cars | 1996 US-based cars, 2000 EU-based cars, Newer cars |
| Display | TFT color display | 2.8” LCD screen |
| Resolution | 320 x 240 pixels | 320 x 240 pixels |
| Backlit | Yes | Yes |
| TF Card Slot | Yes | Yes |
| I/M Readiness | Yes | Yes |
| OBDII Engine Scan | Yes | Yes |
| ABS Scan | Yes | Yes |
| SRS Scan | Yes | Yes |
| Transmission Scan | No | Yes |
| Read DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| Clear DTCs | Yes | Yes |
| DTC Lookup | Yes | Yes |
| AutoVIN | No | Yes |
| Live Data | Yes | Yes |
| Live Graphs from ECU | Yes | Yes |
| Freeze Frame | Yes | Yes |
| O2 Sensor Test | Yes | Yes |
| Component Test | Yes | Yes |
| Shows Vehicle Information | Yes | Yes |
| Multiple Supported Languages | Yes | Yes |
| Firmware Update | Unlimited Software Upgrades | Unlimited Software Upgrades |
| Dimensions (L x W x H) | 7.83 x 4.11 x 1.43 inches | 7.2 x 3.6 x 1.3 inches |
| Weight | 0.75 pounds | 0.544 pounds |
| What’s Included | Autolink AL619 scanner, OBDII cable, USB cable, TF card, Protective Nylon Case, Installer CD, User’s Manual | MaxiLink ML629 scanner, Main Cable, Mini USB cable, TF card, Carrying Case, User Manual, Quick Reference Guide |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Similaries between Autel Autolink AL619 and Autel MaxiLink ML629
Wide Vehicle Coverage
Both the Autolink AL619 and MaxiLink ML629 support a wide variety of vehicles. US-based cars manufactured after 1996 are compatible with both AL619 and ML629. Moreover, EU-based cars made after 2000 are also supported by both scanners. Any car manufactured after those times is most definitely supported as long as they have the OBDII port.
OBDII, ABS, and SRS Diagnostic Tests
To diagnose why the malfunction indicator light or ABS / SRS warning light is on, you can use both the AL619 and ML629 to help you understand why. After running a diagnostic on your car, both scanners will give you DTCs or Diagnostic Trouble Codes. DTCs can be a generic or manufacturer-specific code. Aside from the DTCs, it indicates what the code means so you can better understand what needs fixing. Most scanners in the market do not have ABS / SRS tests. Luckily with both AL619 and ML629, you can check for brake and airbags errors.
Oxygen Sensor Test
Gasoline engines need oxygen while it is running. There is a perfect ratio of air and gasoline to be attained. If your car’s engine does not achieve this particular ratio, unburned fuel creates emission which pollutes the environment. That is why car manufacturers place oxygen sensors on your car for a more efficient engine. Both the AL619 and ML629 can test for bad oxygen sensors. And speaking of emission, both are also capable of the I/M readiness test. With all their testing capabilities, the AL619 and ML629 are indeed powerful tools you can get for your car’s self-check routines.
Differences between Autel Autolink AL619 and Autel MaxiLink ML629
Display
Autel Autolink AL619
Autel’s Autolink AL619 has a TFT color screen on its front. It has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. It is also a backlit screen, so you can diagnose your car even when it is dark. Both scanners also have a similar button layout.
Autel MaxiLink ML629
On the other hand, the Autel MaxiLink ML629 has better screen technology because it is using an LCD panel. It has the same resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. It is backlit as well. With its better screen, the MaxiLink ML629 takes this category.
The Winner Is- Autel MaxiLink ML629
Auto VIN Function
VIN or vehicle identification number is given as an identifying code for a specific model of an automobile. It displays your car’s specifications, unique features, and its manufacturer. Let’s see how they differ.
Autel Autolink AL619
Some tests using the Autolink AL619 need your vehicle identification number. Here is where the AL619 falls short. You have to manually type your VIN into the scanner. As it is 17 characters long, and not to mention it is a combination of numbers and letters, entering it is tedious.
Autel MaxiLink ML629
In contrast, the Autel MaxiLink ML629 has the more convenient Auto VIN functionality. It can read your car’s VIN information automatically. After reading your VIN, you can proceed with the diagnostic tests. The ML629 has an obvious advantage here versus the AL619.
The Winner Is- Autel MaxiLink ML629
Transmission Diagnosis
Autel Autolink AL619
With both the Autel Autolink AL619 and MaxiLink ML629, it can save you trips to your local mechanic’s shop. As mentioned in their similarities, both the AL619 and ML629 can diagnose your car’s engine, anti-lock braking system, and supplemental restraint system.
Autel MaxiLink ML629
Aside from the already said diagnostic tests, the MaxiLink ML629 can diagnose your car’s transmission systems which the AL619 cannot do. It will read the DTCs as to why the warning light is on. Then, you can either fix it yourself accordingly or get it fixed by your mechanic.
The Winner Is- Autel MaxiLink ML629
Pros and Cons
Autel Autolink AL619
Pros:
- Wide car compatibility
- Backlit TFT color display
- Screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels
- MicroSD card for storing data and updating firmware
- OBDII Engine, ABS, and SRS Diagnostic Test
- Can read and clear DTCs
- Live data and graph from the engine control unit
- Can freeze and print data
- Oxygen Sensor Test
- Component Test
- Multiple Supported Language
- Lifetime Firmware Upgrade
- Cheaper
Cons:
- Inferior screen quality
- Does not have a transmission diagnostic test
- No auto VIN functionality
Autel MaxiLink ML629
Pros:
- Wide car compatibility
- 2.8″ Backlit LCD screen
- Screen resolution of 320 x 240 pixels
- MicroSD card for storing data and updating firmware
- OBDII Engine, ABS, SRS, and Transmission Diagnostic Test
- Can read and clear DTCs
- Auto VIN Functionality
- Live data and graph from the engine control unit
- Can freeze and print data
- Oxygen Sensor Test
- Component Test
- Multiple Supported Language
- Lifetime Firmware Upgrade
Cons:
- More expensive
Final Verdict
Buying an OBDII scanner is a worthwhile investment that pays itself in the long run. Autel Autolink AL619 and MaxiLink ML629 are great scanners that you can add in your self-check routine arsenal. However, one of them stands out over the other. You can diagnose your car better using the Autel MaxiLink ML629 due to its additional transmission diagnostic test. It is also more convenient as it has the auto VIN functionality, so you do not have to manually type your car’s VIN. However, it costs more than AL619. Nonetheless, the ML629 is better than AL619.